Memphis Grizzlies (44-28, fourth in the Western Conference) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (60-12, first in the Western Conference)
Oklahoma City; Thursday, 8 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: Oklahoma City will attempt to continue its seven-game win streak with a victory over Memphis.
The Thunder are 34-11 in conference play. Oklahoma City ranks fourth in the Western Conference with 50.8 points per game in the paint led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander averaging 13.7.
The Grizzlies are 26-19 against conference opponents. Memphis ranks second in the NBA scoring 56.8 points per game in the paint led by Jaren Jackson Jr. averaging 11.4.
The Thunder make 48.1% of their shots from the field this season, which is 2.4 percentage points higher than the Grizzlies have allowed to their opponents (45.7%). The Grizzlies average 15.5 more points per game (122.4) than the Thunder give up to opponents (106.9).
TOP PERFORMERS: Gilgeous-Alexander is shooting 52.1% and averaging 32.8 points for the Thunder. Isaiah Joe is averaging 2.8 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Jackson is averaging 22.4 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.6 blocks for the Grizzlies. Desmond Bane is averaging 2.7 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Thunder: 9-1, averaging 121.1 points, 46.6 rebounds, 26.8 assists, 8.3 steals and 6.7 blocks per game while shooting 49.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 106.8 points per game.
Grizzlies: 6-4, averaging 118.9 points, 47.0 rebounds, 27.7 assists, 9.6 steals and 5.8 blocks per game while shooting 47.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 115.0 points.
INJURIES: Thunder: Aaron Wiggins: day to day (achilles), Jalen Williams: day to day (hip), Ousmane Dieng: day to day (calf), Cason Wallace: day to day (knee), Alex Ducas: day to day (quadriceps), Nikola Topic: out for season (acl), Ajay Mitchell: out (toe).
Grizzlies: Marvin Bagley III: day to day (concussion protocol), Zyon Pullin: day to day (knee), Ja Morant: day to day (hamstring), Jaren Jackson Jr.: day to day (face), Brandon Clarke: out for season (knee), Lamar Stevens: day to day (shoulder).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
The Associated Press
